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Thrifting Tips 101: Shop the Label

SHOP THE LABEL. Whether shopping for vintage pieces or high end designer you should always shop the label. Do not use the label solely to determine the size. It tells you much more about the item. Labels tell a story! The label on the inside of the garment will answer the following four questions:

1. Is this a vintage item? One of the first ways to determine if an item is vintage is to check the item for a union label. This is a white label that is sewn into the side seam of the item or under the label that indicates the brand of the item. If you locate this label and it has the letters ILGWU (International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union), then it is a clear indicator that the item is vintage. Click HERE for more information about shopping for vintage clothing.

2. What is the retail price of this item? Use GOOGLE, enter the brand name and a brief description of the item. For example, Cynthia Rowley Tweed Coat Leather Trim. Then click Images. This will produce search results you can browse until you see the item and the retail price. This will allow you to justify paying the price for the item if you are undecided.

3. Is this item a designer brand? Some people may say that I am a label snob, but the joy of thrift shopping is being able to afford designer brands for a fraction of the retail price. That is one of the reasons that I love thrift shopping. I only shop for department store, designer and vintage brands. I shy away from economy fashion brands like Target, Walmart and Old Navy. Just because for the price at the thrift store, I can get that brand new at the retail store. My one exception is the Target brand when they team up with a designer.

4. What are the care instructions for this item? Will you have to spend money to dry clean this item or will you be able to wash it in the machine? This very important question may influence your decision to purchase.

Do you shop the Label? How does the Label influence your decision to purchase?

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22 comments:

Helpful tips about checking the labels while checking the fashionable items in a thrift store! I never knew about that union label status! So interesting ... and totally motivating me to thrift this weekend!

I don't hardly thrift shop in stores, ours hardly ever have anything worth buying, but I am sort of addicted to ThredUp. I only buy labels - and I have totally looked things up to see how old they were. As in last years spring season, etc.

As a military wife who could barely handle her busy schedule I am truly glad I came across your post. These are very helpful tips on how to find quality vintage labels. I also enjoy checking thrift shops!

Great tips for shopping at thrift stores. I'm so glad we have technology at our fingertips so you can do research on the fly. Next time I go thrift shopping I'm going to be more conscious and check for that vintage label.

About me

Hello! My name is Keren. Two Stylish Kays is my personal style blog celebrating my love for thrift shopping and my adventures as a personal shopper! I was born in Trinidad, grew up in New Orleans and now I affectionately call Atlanta my home. Follow my adventures, as a personal shopper and be inspired to build a stylish wardrobe from resale fashion. Welcome to the two stylish sides of me!